Rules of the Road

Auto accidents happen in an instant. While some of them are unavoidable, learning and applying the rules of the road will prove incredibly advantageous in the event of a Phoenix auto accident. The auto accident lawyers at Phillips Law Group are here to help guide you through the process of receiving the compensation that you are entitled to by law.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a driver violating Phoenix rules of the road, you may be able to recover your losses. To begin investigating your legal alternatives, complete the Free Case Review form on this page.

Phoenix Rules of the Road Fundamentals

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of auto accidents occur within a few miles of the typical drivers home. With this in mind, learning the rules of the road is essential to driving safely in Phoenix. Countless examples support the claim that applying the rules of the road will, in fact, reduce the probability of an auto accident.

Traffic Officers Rules of the Road

While operating a vehicle, Phoenix drivers must pay special attention for traffic officers at stoplights, on the roads, and within local intersections. Responsible for the safety and well-being of all Arizona occupants, traffic officers have the obligation to monitor, regulate, and apply all traffic laws. As such, traffic officers take the Phoenix rules of the road seriously. Drivers must obey the instructions given by these officers in order to put themselves, their passengers, and surrounding drivers in the safest driving atmosphere possible.

Seat Belt Rules of the Road

Seat belts are one of the most crucial safety elements in any vehicle. Unfortunately, thousands upon thousands of auto injuries occur each year due to passengers not wearing their seat belt. At times the difference between life and death, the state of Arizona takes their seat belt laws very seriously. First, every passenger in the front seat area must be wearing both lap and shoulder belts, fastened securely while the vehicle is in motion. Minors (those under the age of 16) must wear a seat belt at all times. The driver of the vehicle is responsible for minors present and will receive a citation for children not belted in safely.

Those who neglect to wear a seat belt will also be subject to a fine in the state of Arizona. However, it is important to note that Arizona is a secondary seat belt law state, meaning that an officer cannot pull you over solely for the violation of the seat belt law. Finally, any child under the age of five is required to sit in a child safety seat.

Right-of-Way Rules of the Road

While driving in Arizona, drivers must yield to the right-of-way of other vehicles. However, the law does not actually give the right-of-way to a specific driver, rather the rule states that a driver must yield. In addition, no right-of-way will exist if a collision can possibly result. Drivers must also always yield to the right-of-way of pedestrians who are crossing the street, whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked.

Speed Limit Rules of the Road

Obeying the speed limit is another essential aspect of safe driving. Any vehicle that exceeds the posted speed limit is subject to traffic penalties. In Phoenix, the speed limit when none is posted will be 15 mph near school crossings, 25 mph near business or residential districts, 55 mph on open highways or city freeways, 65 mph on designated open highways, and 75 mph on rural interstate highways. It is important to note, however, that the posted limit is what drivers must follow. In addition, speed should be adjusted to match road conditions when necessary. For example, drivers should reduce their speed on wet roads, in bad weather, etc.

METRO Light Rail Rules of the Road

Operating on all Valley streets in Maricopa County, vehicle traffic flows alongside METRO light rail vehicles. Recent improvements to METRO design have vastly upgraded safety. From protected turn lanes to pedestrian signals, from train-only track-way to signals at frontage roads, and from station design to vehicle design, Arizona has made great strides to increase safety.

Contact a Phoenix Auto Accident Lawyer

For more information regarding legal rights available to auto accident victims of those involved in a collision caused by a driver violating the rules of the road, complete a Free Case Review form on this page.